Dated: September 27, 2023
RECOGNITION OF OCTOBER AS
NATIONAL FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH
WHEREAS, four million Filipino Americans reside in the United States, comprising of approximately 1.5% of the country’s population, and nearly one in seven immigrants from Asia is from the Philippines; and
WHEREAS, forty-two percent of South San Francisco residents identify as Asian, and approximately 13% speak Tagalog at home; and
WHEREAS, the earliest documented proof of Filipino presence in the continental United States was in October 18, 1587, when the first “Luzones Indios”, native Filipino sailors conscripted into the Spanish Navy, came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza and landed in Morro Bay, California; and
WHEREAS, after years of advocacy by individuals and organizations, in 2009 the United States Congress recognized the contributions and sacrifices made by the Filipino Community and recognized October as Filipino American History Month; and WHEREAS, in the month of October, we honor the history, pursuits, accomplishments, and legacy of Filipinos in the United States with Filipino American History Month; and WHEREAS, preserving our Filipino communities throughout California and the United States is critical to the preservation of Filipino culture, history, traditions, and heritage and the preservation of our state and national history as well as our local, state, and national future; and WHEREAS, it is necessary to instill in our youth the importance of education, history, and ethnicity in creating eminent role models, in establishing a proud cultural identity, and producing exceptional citizens of this nation; and
WHEREAS, immigrants from the Philippines and their families truly have enriched our nation, state, and city through their work and contributions in agriculture, their service in the Armed Forces, their offerings, skills, and expertise as engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, accountant, teachers, lawyers, nurses, and doctors, and their participation in public offices, civic affairs, and community activities; and
WHEREAS, diversity represents one of our greatest strengths, and by recognizing the contributions and accomplishments of Filipino American men and women, our City celebrates the importance of inclusion to build a brighter future for all of our citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco does hereby recognize October as National Filipino American History Month and encourages all to recognize the richness of the Filipino American experience and honor the contributions of Filipino Americans.
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Buenaflor Nicolas, Mayor
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Mark Nagales, Vice Mayor
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Mark Addiego, Councilmember
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James Coleman, Councilmember
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Eddie Flores, Councilmember